SOAR Counselors

SOAR counselors and staff play a vital role in preparing incoming freshmen and their families for their first semester at UNA. Your SOAR counselor will help you navigate the transition to college life and ensure that you have a smooth and successful start to your college journey!

Destini Beckwith, Head Family SOAR Counselor

Destini

Hometown: Muscle Shoals, AL

Major: Secondary Education, ELA

What is your favorite thing about UNA?

My favorite thing about college life is that there are so many opportunities to connect with new people!

Candice Buford, Head Student SOAR Counselor

Candice

Hometown: Olive Branch, MS 

Major: Information Technology

What is your favorite thing about UNA?

“I love our beautiful campus and how much the faculty and staff care about students! I also love the many events that we have on campus (my favorite is the silent disco)!”

Colby Allison, Student Counselor

colby-allison.jpg

Hometown: Fayette, AL 

Major: Music Education

What is your favorite thins about UNA?

"I like the diverse student body. I get to meet so many cool people and experience new cultures!”

Audrey Beaver, Student Counselor

20230206_soarheadshot_sgt_0035.jpg

Hometown: Pike Road, AL 

Major: Nursing

What is your favorite thing about UNA?

“My favorite thing about UNA is getting to be involved in ways I never would have before in high school, including so many chances to be in leadership positions!”

Brantley Blaxton, Student Counselor

20230206_soarheadshot_sgt_0052.jpg

Hometown: Hartselle, AL

Major: Early Childhood Education

What advice do you have for new incoming students?

“Remember why you are here! Don’t let the little things overwhelm you, and always remember you have been placed where you are for a reason!”

Anna Carson Bryan, Student Counselor

Anna Carson Bryan

Hometown: Tuscumbia, AL

Major: Communication Studies

What do you want incoming students to know about you?

“I love photography, shopping, and traveling! I am also an enneagram type 2 and cannot wait to meet you guys!”

Mallory Campbell, Student Counselor

Mallory Campbell

Hometown: West Point, AL  

Major: Secondary Education, Social Science

What is your favorite thing about UNA?

"The experiences and memories that can only be made here!"

Keaton Chappell, Student Counselor

Keaton Chappell

Hometown: West Point, AL  

Major: Psychology

What advice do you have for incoming students?

“A little piece of advice I would give is: Take classes that you want to take, even if they are not for your major. Take full advantage of what college has to offer!”

Will Driver, Student Counselor

Will Driver

Hometown: Andalusia, AL 

Major: Public Relations

What do you want incoming students to know about you?

“I love all the Pitch Perfect movies and love talking to everyone!”

Claire Hendrickson, Student Counselor

Claire

Hometown: Anniston, AL 

Major: Mass Communication

What advice do you have for new students?

“Take every opportunity to make a new friend, don’t be afraid to go to campus events, and get involved.”

Leiloni Kerley, Student Counselor

Leiloni

Hometown: Trussville, AL  

Major: Mass Communications

What do you want incoming students to know about you?

“I love meeting new friends, and I'm always down for a good road trip!”

Makenzie McGuire, Student Counselor

Makenzie

Hometown: Nashville, TN 

Major: Nursing

What advice do you have for new incoming students?

“Write your own chapter. You were created to be who you are, and you are destined for greatness in your own right. Don't compare yourself to anyone and make yourself your priority.”

Olivia Oliphant, Student Counselor

Olivia

Hometown: Centre, AL 

Major: Interior Architecture and Design

What advice do you have for new students?

“Live every minute to the fullest and try not to worry too much! It will all work out!”

Shaina Sam, Student Counselor

Shaina

Hometown: Huntsville, AL 

Major: Interior Design and Architecture

What is your favorite thing about UNA?

“I love UNA because the campus is gorgeous and UNA allowed me to have connections that I would not gain anywhere else.”

Bricen Tapscott, Student Counselor

Bricen

Hometown: Hartselle, AL  

Major: Entertainment Technology

What do you want incoming students to know about you?

"I enjoy staying active and hanging out with friends. I'm an extrovert so don't be afraid to reach out to me."

Leo Whyte, Student Counselor

leo-whyte.jpg

Hometown: Huntsville, AL  

Major: Nursing

What do you want incoming students to know about you?

I am passionate about the field of nursing because I get to care for people at their lowest point using patient care skills, interpersonal skills, and medical science! I am also a Christian Preacher/Evangelist.

Meg Wilbanks, Student Counselor

Meg

Hometown: Hartselle, AL 

Major: Mathematics

What is your favorite thing about UNA?

“My favorite thing about UNA is all the opportunities I have had to grow and all the friends I’ve made!”

Omarie Bartee, Family Counselor

Omarie

Hometown: Harvest, AL

Major: Engineering Technology

What is your favorite thing about UNA?

“My favorite thing about UNA is how comfortable I feel on campus. It really feels like a home.”

Rebekah Callahan, Family Counselor

Rebekah

Hometown: Atoka, TN

Major: Political Science and English

What is your favorite thing about UNA?

Aleya Gilley, Family Counselor

Aleya

Hometown: Moody, AL 

Major: Education

What made the transition to UNA easier for you and your family?

“When making the transition from home to college, communication was key! I checked in a few times a week so my parents knew I was okay, but getting involved and finding my group helped me transition into my new chapter of life!”

Sarah Lewis, Family Counselor

Sarah

Hometown: New Market, AL 

Major: Exercise Science 

What is your favorite thing about UNA?

“My favorite thing about UNA is that it is the prettiest campus ever, but it also has given me an opportunity to make incredible friends, expand my leadership, and find a place where I belong.”

Kylee Coleman, Support Staff

kylee-coleman.jpg

Hometown: Jackson, TN  

Major: Accounting

What is your favorite thing about UNA?

 "My favorite thing about UNA is the lifelong friendships I have been blessed with. UNA provides a very warm and welcoming environment while pushing you to be the best student you can be."

Connell Cornelius, Support Staff

Connell

Hometown: Rogersville, AL  

Major: Music Education

What advice do you have for new students?

“Do not be afraid to be yourself. People are going to love you no matter what!”

Treasure Franklin, Support Staff

Treasure

Hometown: Enterprise, AL 

Major: Psychology

What is your favorite thing about UNA?

“My favorite thing about UNA is the sense of community that the campus offers!”

Alex.

Hometown: Huntsville, AL 

Major: Music Education

What is your favorite thing about UNA?

“My favorite thing about UNA is how inclusive our campus is! No matter who you are you will have a place here at UNA!”